Consumers have been complaining for years about paper straws used in Capri-Sun. Now, the CEO promises improvements.
Key Points at a Glance
- In 2021, Capri-Sun switched from plastic to paper straws.
- This was due to an EU directive prohibiting single-use plastics.
- Now, following customer complaints, the step will be reversed.
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Since 2021, single-use plastic products such as straws or cutlery have been banned in the EU. Since Switzerland has not adopted the EU directive, paper straws are optional for manufacturers here. However, because most beverages are sold across the continent, paper straws are predominantly used here as well.
Greenpeace criticizes this as a “false solution.” The environmental organization would prefer reusable drinking straws.
Consumers Dislike Paper Straws
Many consumers are upset with the paper version because it is harder to insert. Additionally, there is a paper taste left in the mouth while drinking.
Are You Bothered by Paper Straws?
This is also the case with the cult drink Capri-Sun.
However, the manufacturer wants to return to plastic in the future. Capri-Sun CEO Roland Weening told the “Sonntagszeitung”: “We are working towards this. At least in Switzerland, where the ban does not apply unlike in the EU, we plan to use a recyclable plastic straw again.”
In a future solution, the entire drinking pouch should be able to be disposed of in the same place. Currently, the pouch goes in the normal trash, while the paper straw goes into the paper recycling. At least if one takes this extra effort after refreshing oneself.
Capri-Sun Appeals to the EU for an Exception
In addition, Weening wants to convince the EU Commission to make an exception for Capri-Sun. The ban on plastic straws is well-intentioned. “But in our case, it doesn’t make any sense,” he says.
In the budget version of Capri-Sun, there was never a switch to paper straws, as Nau.ch reported in February. On the Instagram page of “Szene isch Züri,” a young consumer marvels in a clip about the plastic straw in the M-Budget version: “Capri-Sun, you need to copy this, dude!”
However, Migros announced to Nau.ch at that time: “We also have a change planned. The straw will be replaced during the course of 2024.”
In contrast, Coop offers the drinking pack of the budget line Prix Garantie with the plastic version. And: Here it is expected to remain that way for now.
A Coop spokesperson confirmed to Nau.ch that the existing plastic straw is popular. “It can be easily inserted into the pouch, whereas the paper straw can be more challenging. Additionally, a paper straw may begin to dissolve too quickly, which can be uncomfortable while drinking.”
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